A good night’s sleep is the key to good overall health—both physical and mental—but as many as a third of adults say they don’t get enough of it. The pandemic has led to increased anxiety and stress, making it even more difficult to sleep than it was before. Over-the-counter sleep aids can be habit forming, and many people prefer a more natural approach.Herbal Remedies for Sleep introduces readers to the top 15 herbs for reducing stress and encouraging a good night’s sleep, along with recipes for using them in homemade formulas. The book includes three classes of herbs: those that have a general calming and relaxing effect; adaptogens, a class of herbs that has grown in popularity for its ability to balance and calm the nervous system; and sedative herbs, for those nights when you just can’t stop tossing and turning and need to go to sleep quickly. Remarkably, many of these herbs can easily be grown in an ordinary backyard, making it simple for people to grow a garden that helps promote a restful night’s sleep.

Introduction       My Story of Sleep Chapter 1            Understanding and Supporting Quality Sleep Sleep by the Numbers The Importance of Sleep How Sleep Works How to Get Better Sleep I Still Can’t Sleep! What’s Going On? When to See a Doctor or Holistic Practitioner   Chapter 2            Managing Stress and Daytime Energy The Effects of Stress Supporting the Stress Response with Adaptogens Choosing the Best Adaptogens for Sleep Support   Chapter 3            Relaxation Day and Night Why Relaxation Matters You Are How You Think and Feel: Mind–Body Balance Relaxation Beyond Herbs Gently Calming and Uplifting Nervines Relaxing Nervines Additional Nervines to Consider   Chapter 4            Bedtime Sedating Sleep Support Before Herbs, Sleep Tips Sedative Herbs for Deeper Relaxation Gentle Sedatives Stronger Sedative Sleep Aids Additional Sleep Remedies   At a Glance Herb Chart   Chapter 5           Harvesting and Drying Herbs Harvesting Drying Herbs   Chapter 6           Sleep-Support Recipes and Remedies Tips for Taking Herbs Herbal Beverages Using Powders Herbal Extracts   Aromatherapy    Appendix Herbal Safety and Considerations for Special Populations Buying Herbs and Remedies Storing Your Herbs and Remedies   Recommended Reading Resources